Progressive drawing press



Feb, 12, 1946 F. J.- RODE 2,394,636

PROGRESSIVE DRAWING PRESS Filed Aug. 3, 1942 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.F mzomcn J. RODE M [MW/M.

Feb. 12, F RODE PROGRESSIVE DRAWING PRESS Filed Aug. 3, 1942 5Sheets-Sheet 2 H3 14 if 2 P O H 0 l EP- 8 TM D T I F W nnul M 3 4 9 Q5 74 5 5 l 7 r-I 4 2 I 7 9 2 I 6 ATTORNEYS Feb. 12, 1946. F. J. RODE2,394,636

PROGRESS IVE DRAWING PRESS Filed Aug. 3, 1942 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 7 5 14./'Z52 B 3 t |36 r r 25, EEDREPEAT 42 FIGS.

72 I BY 4 JIM.

ATTORNEYS drawings.) In the accompanying j H8. 1 is-a'frontvi T'pipesystemremoved I I Y .m. 2 as side viewof the machine; Pia-31s aflonion of- Raj-on" j an enlarged scale with somepartsbeing broken aw y;I

Pate'ntedfeb. 1 2,

, raodanssrvs nnswmarnnss meme 1. Rode, Toledo, ohimassig'nor to n. w.

. "Bliss Company, Brooklyn,

ofDelaware N. 1., a corporation Application sum 3, 1042, Serial No. secs1 200mmlulu-45) This invention relates to improvements, in I metalworking machines, more particularly to machines of the type in which aram carrying the .upper die is mounted for reciprocating movement in theupper part of a press. while thelower die is located on a bed in thelowerp'art of said press, and in which the cooperating dies for theworking of the metal are moved to'progressively,

"closer relative positions as the work proceeds.

More particularly, the invention relates to mechanism for raisingthe'die carrying bolster intermittently by predetermined whereby stageforming, shaping, forging or drawing operations can be effected upon aworkpiece. One of the main objects of the invention is to provide meansfor-controlling the movement of said bolster in a reliable and'accuratemanner when the machine is being utilized for step by step working ofthe metal. These means comprise a combined hydraulic and pneumaticsystemoperated by electric controls.

Another object of the invention is build the 1 machine in a way thatallthe equipment, includ-.

ing an electricmotor, a pump driven by the same and oil reservoirs forthe liquid. which is recycled .through the system of the pump, will beconfined withinsthe machine frame andthe pit in which the base of themachine is embedded/- This construction not only adds to the streamlinedappearance of the machine, but results in the saving of space andprevents the parts from 1 exposure to dust. atmosphere and otherdamaging influences, thereby decreasing the ,wear and adding to the lifeof the machine. I

' Another "object of the machine-15 to Provide I knockout means in amachine ofthe type dis-r closed for expelling a workpiece whenit-hasgone through the final operating step. Yet another object'of'theinvention is"the provision1-.of means j for building ups high pressurefor the finish-- ing step of the metalworkingprocess. Q

" j; ,Otherimprovements will be apparent'from the followingdetailedgciescription;and the ml is a nlargemen s un s'"'4-4,or

increments meme; with the H 7 g cylinders 48 and I3, comprlsins pfi ofthe -bolster operating mechanism..are dispose so as to be protected inthe-way'above described. 1 ,v 'Iierods ll extend through the entireheight of theuprights up to the crown and secure the parts together toform the'complete frame. A ram 2| carryin's anupper dieaismountedfor'reciprofeed is. mamas m gums: sees a;

control mechanism of the machine .in' section alonglinesHoil'ig.3; and1,. f Fig. 8 is a wiringqliagram showing the electrical connections forcontrolling the valves of the hydraulic and pneumatic system. 3 I

- Frequently it is desired to form, draw. forge or shape apiece of workin stages or steps whereby a dwell or time period is afforded forthe-crystalline structure of the metal to become adjusted to a precedingmetal stressing before a succeeding forceapplication to the metal.beingworked 4 takes place. This is true, for, example, in the forming,shaping or drawing of work pieces which are made out-of the lighteralloy metals and; ll which, if completely formed. drawnfor in onestroke, would develop flssues'or other defects. The present inventionisdirected to,

presses adaptable to such metal working and emdie mechanism thereon, thecooperatin die ram of the press.

.25 Referring more particularly-to, Figs. l 2 of the drawings, Ill isaframe of the press supporting acrown il in whichthe'mechanism forreciprocating the ram is mounted. This may preferably be a crank drivenpress mechanismof I known construction. which does not form a part of'theinvention and has, therefore, not been Y I shown in the drawings.

Atop portion l2 covers. the crown and forms a casing for such parts ofthedrive mechanism as extend beyond'the crown. A front plate It; and'arear plate 14 serve forcovering the maxchinery gbe'tween the uprights ofvthe frame, to'

which access is provided by doors ll.

Y The frame is supportedby'a hollowbed orbase v ".which is shaped withoutwardly flaring .that provide a support for thepr'esragainst the.walls of a concrete pit 11. The me we at the some time provides spacefor-the accommodation of, two oil tanksfl and a. W of which is morefullystated hereafter.

Within the pit a motor-1L0. pump "and two bodies, as one of thesalientfoperating .features, 20a bolster actuating 'mech'anism whicheifects a] step by step or stage. feedingjof; thej'bolsten with the" iraised and lowered as desired and also is auto matically operable toraise the bolsters. predetermined amount during each cycle of operationof the press until the work is completely formed.

At the last step or stage of work formation, the bolster becomes set orconditioned for the exertion of a considerably increased pressure uponthe work piece in opposition to the ram action of the press. v

Referring more particularly to Fig. 3,'the mov able bolster 22 consistsof a casting having shoulder portions 23 with shims 24 stacked thereon.

for adjustment or final determination of the upper limit of movement ofthe bolsterwith respect to the press bed and thus indirectly withrespect to the ram 20 and any die mechanism carried thereby. 'As shownin this figure, the bolster is in the uppermost position with the shimsing as a stop for the bolster.

The two tanks" 32 and are accommodated between the inner wall 30 and theouter wall 3| of base 16. Tank 32 is an accumulator con- 24 actnected toan air pressure line (not 'shown) by which the tank is held under aconstant pressure of about 50 pounds per square inch. ,Tank 33 containsoil under atmospheric pressure and is a storage Both tanks are fittedwith openings for purposes of filling, cleaning and the like; theopenings are ordinarily closed by lids 36'.

A float switch is provided in tank 132 in order to return oil from thistank to storage tank 33.

The bolster 22. is operated by a hydraulically operated piston 33slidingly mounted in a cylinder'30, hereinafter called the main cylinderand whichcan comprise part of the bed formation of the press. A packing40 is interposed between piston and cylinder and held in place by aretainer 34.

The piston rod of piston 38 is designated by 43 A pipeline I03connectsthese cylindersthrough valves I02 and IM to a pipe I00 leadinginto the it is a hollow rod which is mounted for sliding for'sealing theparts. The top'of rod. 43 issecured to a central boss 45 of piston 38between hereinafter called'the bolster looking or arresting piston andcylinder. Betweenthe cylinder wall movement in the bottom wall ofcylinder 39, with a packing 5.! held by a packing nut 52 interposed andpiston 41 a packing 49 is held by a retainer 00 and another packing 53is held by packing mi 04 between member '41 and rod 43.

The space between the top of the arrestin cylinder 40 and piston member41 is filled with oil, which prevents the piston 30 and thereby thebolster 22 from being raised except in a predeterminedmanner ashereafter provided. This cylinder and piston, therefore, function afterthe manner of a locking cylinder. As shown, piston 33 may comprise ahead 4! which'is partly hollow and accommodates another cylinder 42within its confines, which is called the knockout cylinder, since itserves for'removing a finished work piece from the dies carried .on thebolster 22. The knockout cylinder has wide laterally extending flanges31. supported byfshoulders 29. on the piston head 4|. Within cylinder 42a piston 00 is slidingly received, which carries the knockout rod leadsup to knockout cylinder '42, serving as an air conduit for thatcylinder. As shown in Fig. 4, a hand operated valve 53 is arranged inline 50. This valve has an exhaust port (not shown). Piston 56 and itsrod 01 are thus operated pneumatically whenever finished articles aretobe removed from the dies. 7

As already mentioned, the lifting mechanism, which eilects the raising'of the bolster, is operated hydraulically and the system of pipes andvalves, for operation of the device will now be described. From tank 33a pipe60 leads to a pump 62 "and from there pipe 63 connects to a pumprelief valve 64'.- One line Eli branches oil from valve 04 and returnsto the storage tank 33, while another line 68 leads on to a four-wayvalve 01 operated by two solenoids, N1 and N: (Fig. 6). From valve 01 apipe 68 leads through operating valve; 09 over line 10 into the cylinder39, whereas. another. branch, 12, leads to, a, booster cylinder 13, thepurpose of which will be'described below. 1

1 is started. From ,pipe85 a pipe line 50 leads upj to another part ofthe system, containing the reed control proper; ,the cylinder 48 isconnected to pipe line '08, during the operation of the machine.

For adjusting bolster 22 or determining its down position before themachine is started, a manually controlled mechanism is provided whichcomprises two cylinders I05 with pistons I06 slidable therein, capableof limiting the downward travel of bolster 22 and of raising'the' sameagainst the shims when no work piece is in the dies.

pressure tank 32. In case valve I0! is open and bolster 22 is loweredwhile being supported by pistons I06, the oil in cylinders I05 will actas V a cushion to limit the down travel oi the bolster to the extentdesired. A return pipe. I01 is arranged between valve I02, which is, anoverload relief valve and line 100.

It will be seen that the bolster mechanism is subjected to and supportedby hydraulic pressure during all of the time work is being done by theram and the bolster is moved upwardly as desired by such hydraulicpressure- The bolster is lowered by gravity or can be forced down mechanicaliy by the ram as desired, all of which will hereafter appear. I

To an the main cylinder 39 with-ur the beginning of an operation, avalve mechanism is arranged ina pocket I08 formed in the bottom wall ofthe mairr'cylinder. functions by reason of a check valve 0 formed 7 onthe end of a piston I00 valve 0 is normally maintained in open positionby the back pressure on the oil in reservoir 32 which causes oil toflow, insofar as volume permits, into the cylinder 33.

Thus, in normal operation the pressure within the main cylinder 39wiilnot fall below the pressure within the reesrvoir 32. The pressure intank 32 tends to raise the bolster mechanismduring any period the valveI, l 0 is open, but the locking mechanism limits the time and amount ofsuch raising.

This valve mechanism I assessor I On the other hand, by reason of theone-way'ac tlon of the valve II3,.the pressure can be built up in thecylinder "by thepump through line at the end of the bolster feed, stillhigher pressure may be exerted by booster piston 19; during that timethe valve III will beclosed; w

As shown, the check valve 1 I9 is operatively disposed within a housingII! fitted within the said pocket Ill. The housing has a narrow pperportion, in which piston I99 is slidingly received, and a wider lowerportion, the latter forming a valve chamber; an outwardly extendingflange II I of the housing forms a bottom .atithe end of the pocket I09.Several radial openings in the-lower.

part of the housing III allow the freepassage of oil from thev tank 3!,through line I22, passageway III and between the cone-shaped valve III-and its seat I it into the interior of the main cyl- I inder 39.

I Secured to valve II9I In is a nouew piston rod II3 connected to aconduit d which extends through the valve. III and piston I99 andcommunicates with the top portion of cylinder I I2 where an air chamberis formed.

The bottom end of rod I I3 carries a disk-shaped piston head I IIslidablyreceived in a cylinder I I9 open to the atmosphere throughopening. I. A

' bore in the top wall of cylinder IIt permits rod I I3to pass freelyfor upand down movement, but is sealed by a packing against oil leakage.The central bore or passageway d through the rod I I3 serves to maintainthe inner top portion of cylinder I I! under atmospheric pressure thecommunication with the atmosphere being made by means.ofaradialboreeinrodIIt" From the bottom of the cylinder a pipe I I1leads to a valve I it having anair inlet connected to a pressure lineand exhaust II 9 and I29 respectively. g Y

This mechanism serves for maintaining the valve Ill open against thepressure in the bolster cylinder 39, by admitting compressed air tocylin-. der H9 through pipes H1 and III, and it is only operated when itis desired to foroe oilout of the bolster cylinder, 1. e., when thelocking piston is being forced down by pressure from oil pump 02. Topermit closing of valve IIU, valve'l I9 is connected to the exhaust I20,whereupon pressure accumulated in the cylinderlii is released. Thepressure in tank 32 will raise valve I In when there An adjustable valvemechanism 11 serves as relief valve for overload in main cylinder 39 andthis mechanism, may be such that any desired maximum pressure may bepredetermined at which oil will be released from bolster cylinder 38while the bolsteris being subiected to pressure from the ram of thepress.

The feed mechanism proper upward movement, usually a fraction of oneinch,

is determined by which the bolster is raised at each slideway 91. Theslideway has a vertical slot 99, to both sides of which a scale ismounted and an indicating. member 99 riding in said slot shows theincrement for which the feed is set. I

The top end .of slideway 91 is flanged as at 9| and on said flange anoil measuring feed cylinder I39 is mounted in verticalaligmnent toslideway 91. The adjusted or predetermined amount of oil tot he receivedby this cylinder determines the amount ofthe upward feed of the bolster.A bottom plate I3I in said cylinder has a central bore I32 whichslidingly receives arod I33 having an air-tight seal at I34. Rod I93 ispart of head 99 and acts as a stop for a piston I39 that is forceddownwardly by oil escaping under pressure from the locking cylinder 49into the top of an oilme'as urlng cylinder I30. The piston I36 isprovided "with double packing I31-I 39 held respectively by plates I99and Ill respectively. Nuts I lI-Ifl on is occasion for oil to flowintothebolster cylinder 39. .As already mentioned valve I It serves foradmission of oil to main cylinder 39 from tank 32 owing to the airpressure in tank 32 when the raising' of piston 38 is performed, as willbe'described under Operation! The booster mechanism mentioned above asforming part of the hydraulic system, is more fully shown in Fig. 4..The mechanism comprises a duplex piston and cylinder arrangement havingtwo diameters. A unitary cylinder structure; in the form of cylinder 13vand a smaller cylinder 14, is attached to the bottom of main cylinder39. A piston 15 is formed with two different diameters to fit the dualcylinder. Pressure exerted on the wide head 16 of the piston .wilibetransmitted by the smaller end and increased in amount corresponding tothe difference in surface areas. The upper forming cycle at the timebolster is inthe up,

position. Cylinder 13 is, therefore. called an in-. tensifler" orbooster. 1

of the machine frame It.

threaded formations on the top and bottom of 40 the piston lttjhold theplates and packing in place. Fitted by screw connection or in any othersuitable way to nut Ill is a rod I43 slidingly mounted in a sleeve I inthe-top plate lfl'cov-" ering cylinder I30.' Rod I43 connects with aswitch B, the function of which will later be-de-- scribed. 1

Near the bottom or the oil measuring cylinder I30 is an air inlet I35for the admission of compressed air to force piston I 36 up and forcethe measured oil out of the top of cylinder I3II. A bore I" in coverplate I provides an inlet for an oil line'll'l, connecting to a valveI48, controlled by a pressure switch A. Pipe I49 leads to valve 91vwhich has a connection to line 86 on the one hand, and through a" pipe89 to tank 33, on the other hand. A second valve 83, arranged'at theother side of line 96, is connected to'tank33 by a pipe I04.

As shown in Fig. control device is mounted on one of the uprights.

It is apparent that the air valve Ill should be operated to have the airpressure cut ofiof the valve H9 when the oil-measuring system associatedwith the locking mechanism is active, that is, when valve 81 opens toconnect the lockins;v

cylinder to the measin'ing cylinder I3li. I wiflng dicgram "The wiringdiagram howing the electric connections isillustrated in Fig. 6. L; andIn are the 7 main lines carrying'current from a power station. Connectedin the circuit are a number ofsoleacids which upon energizationcontrolthe hydraulic valves described above. A number of push is bestshown in the left-hand top portionof Fig. 3 and in Fig. 5. Themechanismcomprises a hand wheel 90 for adJust-j v ment of feed. 33? thisadjustment the amount of supported by e clevis 1a.

l. the above described feed ate'd on in the same positiono! bolster 22.1

' buttons arranged the machine frame for actuating. switches associatedtherewith make the i Win which is timed with the crankshaft dieton isdesignated by a 'namein Fig; 3 and, correthe parts actuated by saidbuttons;

Fromline' L1 lines299, 25I lead to a grammatically at C. For" eachrevolution of the crankshaft, switch D will be opened and closed once.From switch D a line .253 connects toa 3 pressure switch A, which ilikewise timed with I thecrankshait C and operates valve 9'! to open itto storage tank 33 at a predetermined time.

From this switch, line 254 leads tosolenoid E: and

over lines 259 and 252 to mainline L's. With E:

in energized state, valve 81 is in a position to allow 1 the flow of oilfrom pipe 99 to pipe I49. The four-way valve 93, which controlsflow ofoil to line 95 and locking cylinder 43, is operated by a two-way switch298 actuated by button down. This switch also controls valve H9.

In the normal position, as shown in the drawings,

the switch is open; valve 93 is then connected to as a matter of fact,is ther. way topperatc Y the machine, which will be describedfunder ."oeraflon," p f A switch which is operated-toward the .endoi' the metalworking process is switch 299 (preload) perform "the final step under aassure, such ,for example as 2509 tons, ch 269 is closed currentwilfflow i'rom.

lo 'over-"line 259, through 269 to line 29L solenoid jNt, line 262 backto'InJ. Solenoid N1 operatesvalve 91, causing oil to; flow through pipe49 to pipe I9 andto maincylinder .39, and at the same time to theintensifier 1 3; throughvalve 99 which acts as a check valve to'line I9when the inten- 1 I sifler'builds up to the desired pressure. Thus. r

I p by pump action oil is forced into both these cyl- 1 inders inbuilding up to a certain pressure and E thereafter'the booster effectsthe final high pres- "sure desired in cylinder 39.

tank-return pipe 84, valve II8 to exhaust pipe 5 I29 and valve N9 isclosed. The circuit estab- "llshed witniswitonzsa open is. thefollowing:

From line L1 over line 259, switch 269 inropen position, lines 269, 291,switch 269, line 215,

solenoid 02, line 214, back tomain line Lo.

When button down" is depressed and switch o 269 closed the followingcircuit will be established:

'FromLi over'25 9, switch 269 in openiposition,

The release of pressure isbrought about by closing switch 263 (release)Solenoid N: will be 1- energized thereby and current will then now fromvI Li, over line 259, switch 299, line' 296,-switch 293, N2, line 262,back to'La. This will cause valve 61 to open toward line89, allowing oilto flow back to tank 33. 4

Finally a switch 216 I (up) cooperates with switch 269, which isa'pressur'e switch, incloeing a circuit for the operation ofs'olenoid Fthat controls valve 89. This valveis-hand operated and ,when open topipe I94-will return oil to tank 33 in caseot excess pressure in thesystem; in which case pressure switch 299 is pivoted to thepositlon tosolenoid '1', lines zuand motor to In. Valve H9, will open air line 9 tocylinde H9 and valve 9 will be open'totanlr 32. Solenoid O1 operatesvalve 93 so as to open it toward line 99 and allow oil to flow intocylinder 49. Valve 91 shuts ofl. the oil .to the booster cylinder I3 andline 19 and by-passes the oil from the booster switch byfdepressingbutton feed and energization of solenoid E1 caused thereby, opens valve91 permitting the passage of on from the locking cylinder 49 to line 89Oil is thereby free to pass through said line and valve up toline I49and from there into the feed controlor'meas- 'urin cylinder I39,

Two more switches, to-witjB and 251, are

valve") just described. Switch 3 is closed each time the rod I43 on itsupward stroke knocks I against the spring on switch" 3- (see Fig. 5).'-'Switch29l isa switch which controls automatic feed when'in the-fon"position, as shown in the drawings. That istosay, piston I39 in feedermeasuring cylinder I39 will reciprocate and thereshunted to the electricci'rcuitiwhichcontrols by, at each cycle 01 operation, automatically setu the valves so that s measured amount'oioil is Ii, ior instance, eachfeed should amount to[%"* of an inch, the plunger head is set as shownin permitted to escape irom'cylinder' 48 whereby main piston 39, andsimultaneously the bolster carrying the dies, ,i s raised' by'theldesired inc'remerit-g1! switch 291 is'in the "011? position this 1automatic iced stops 'or does not function. :Any

xwhenthemachineistob'e tion the bolster 22 is first placed/mall downposig tion, the pistons I99 in cylinders I99 areiin abutment withthe'botto'r'n' of the bolster. Valve I9l 'isopen.. I V a After the dieshave been placed in the press. 1 the bolster is raised so as to give thecorrect closed 1 J position. For this purpose shims 24 are stackedonshoulders '23 until the maximum up position is determined. The operatorthen presses "down" a button and the bolster is lowered thereby toposishown in dotted lines'in the drawings I I Operation tion the dieswhere the metal working is to be started. Valve I9] is then closed,solthat the "It now depends on whether it is'intended to runthewholeseries of workpieces through, whilerthe b'olsteris at a'givenlevel, -thenraise ior an" increment, pass the batch of workpiecesthrough, raise again, and so on; ofraise, 'stepby step, for an theintended inerementswhile one work piece is in the presaremove the same,-lower the bolster to starting position, treat a second work frombeginning to completion, and so forth;

" If process'number 1 is chosen, the button "fee repeat". should beflnoi! position; inthe other :f case it should'ibe in' theon', position. -jAs mentioned above, the increments are-deter mined by setting plungerhead 99' by ineansot. hand wheel 99 so that the indicator 99 will-pointto the desired'i'raction of an inch on the scale;

Rig. 5. The position of the head as determines that of stop piston I33and, thereby, ,thelength oi the stroke-oipiston I39. If a largerfraction of an inch should be fed, the travel-of piston I33 should belonger, stop piston I33 has consequentlytobe adjusted or setat-ahwerposition m adjustedior opera I Before the operation starts andwhilethe bolster and attached piston 41 are in downposition, oil fromtank33is pumped by' pump 62 through valve 83 and'pipe 85 to lockingcylinder 43. When in operation bolster 22 is to be raised, a

measured amount of oil is allowed to flow out of I the measuringcylinder I30, where it forces piston I33 down until this piston hitsagainst stop I33.

By that time the oil pressure" in cylinder I and line I39 will be highenough to operate pressure switch A which reversesvalve 81 to a positionopen to line '33-leading totank 33 so as to permit the measuringcylindertto be emptied of oil. For this purpose air under pressure isadmitted to the measuringcylinder I30 through pipe 3 I35 which pushesthe piston I36 up; upward movement of the piston and of rod I43 closesswitch B. This acts toreverse the position of valves and to restart thecycle; As mentioned before, switches A and B are timed also with thecrankshaft controlling the reciprocation of the ram and are, therefore,adapted to operate the successive rise of the dies at the proper momentin re-. lationship with the movement of the ram.

After the workpiece has gone through the treatment in the die as the dieis raised in incre-' work pieces can be produced without utilizing theintensifiermechanism. a

After this step the release button is pressed which releases thepressure on bolster 22 and the same is returned to the original startingposition.

If, during any stage of the operation, an undesired overload occurs inthe bolster mechanism, valve 11 will release oil from the main cylinderand return it to tank 32. Cylinders I05 are emptied by valve I32 to thattank.

' Various arrangements for maintaining the oil at or below a maximumlevel in tank 32 can be utilized. In Fig. 3 an ordinary float operatedvalve mechanism generally is indicated by dotted lines, together with areturn line extending to storage tank 33. Such return is desirable sincein the course of operation of the machine some oil is being moved fromtank 33 to a cylinder 33 through line 10, which eventually is shifted totank 32.

Other modes of applying the principle of my invention may be employedinstead of the oneexplained, change being made as regards the mechanismherein disclosed, provided the means stated by any of the followingclaims or the equivalent of such stated means be employed.

I therefore particularly point out and distinctly claim as my invention:7

1. In a machine of the class described, a frame,

reciprocating said ram within said frame, a bolster to receive a die orcooperation with said die in said ram, meansadapted to move said ram andsaid bolster byincrements toprogressively closer relativepositions-between the cooperating parts as the metal working; proceeds,said means including a feed controlmechanism' comprising an element forsetting the feedincrement, a stop member rigidly connected to saidsetting element, a cylinder-piston means for eflecting the feed controlin cooperation with said stop member, and

means for controlling the reciprocation of said piston in timedrelationship with the reciprocation of said ram. 1 7 v 2. In a machineof the class ,described.-a'frame, a ram adapted to carry an upperedie,means for reciprocating said ram within said frame, a bol-I star toreceive a die for cooperation with said die in said ram, means adaptedto raise said bolster,

saidmeans including a feed controlf'mechanism;

comprising a hand controlled element for, setting the feed increment, astop member rigidly.

connected to said setting element. apcylinderpiston means for effectingthe feed control in cooperation with said stop member, saidpiston beingfluid operated during its operative stroke and air, operated during itsreturn stroke, and electrical means for controlling the reciprocation ofsaid piston in timed relationship with reciprocating said ram withinsaid frame, a bolster to receive a die for cooperation with said die'insaid ram, means adapted to raise said bolster @by increments as, themetal working proceeds, said means including afeedcontrolmechanismcomprising a hand-controlled element, including a cam and cam .followerfor setting the feed increment, a stop member rigidly connected to saidsetting element, a cylinder-piston means for efiecting the feed controlin'cooperation with said stop member, means for reciprocating saidpiston. in timed relationship with the recipro" cation ofsaid ram, saidmeans including, valve mechanism controlling the delivery of oil intosaid cylinder to act on said piston during its operativestroke andtheadmission of airat the opposite side of said piston for acting on thesam a ram adapted to carry an upper die, means for during the returnstroke. 4 4. In a machine of the class described comprisin areciprocating ram adapted to carry an upper die, a workpiece holder toreceive a die for cooperation with said die in said ram, means to raisesaid workpiece holder by increments inv prising a reciprocating ramadapted to carryan upper die, a bolster to receive a di i'or coopera--.tion with said die in said ram, and hydraulic means to raise saidbolster by incrementsin combination, cylinder and piston means forlocking said bolster against being raised, control means comprising acylinder and a double acting piston;

for intermittently relieving said locking means and a plurality ofelectrically operated valves; one x of said valves whenin oneposition'being adapted to open a pipe connection tor permittin -escapethe reor oil from said locking cylinder to said control means, and whenbeing in the other position adapted to shut oil said locking meansiandal valves to its first mentioned position after said bolster has beenraised for an'increment.

operating step in combination, cylinder andpiston means for locking saidbolsteragainst being raised, control means comprising a cylinder andv adouble acting pistonior intermittently retrically operated valves, oneof said valves when 6. In a machine of the "class described com- 7prisinga reciprocating ram adapted to carry an upper die, a bolster toreceive a die'for cooperation with said die in said ram, and hydraulicmeans to raise said bolsterby increments in combination, cylinder andpiston means for locking said bolster againstbeing raised,"control meanscomprising a-cylinder andsa double acting piston for intermittentlyrelieving said locking means and a plurality of electrically operatedvalves, one of said valves when in one position being adapted" to open apipe connection for permitting escape of oil from said locking cylindervtolsaid control means, and when being in then other position adapted toshut off said locking means and allowing oil toreturn from said controlmeans to a-reservoir, and electric-means adapted -to be actuated by saiddouble acting piston on the return stroke thereohthereby re-,

; after each reciprocation of-said ram, in 'casea setting said valve toits first mentioned position" after said bolster has been raised for anincrej ment. a a a 1 7. In a machine of the classdescribed comprising areciprocating ram adapted to carry an upper die, a workpiece holder to:receivea die for cooperation withsaid die in said ram, means to a raisesaid workpiece holder by. increments in combination, means includingacylinder-and -a piston for lockingv said workpiece holder against beingraised-, control means for intermittently relieving said locking-means,intensifying means for building up high pressure on said" workpieceholder for the finishing -step,-said control means comprising :a doubleacting piston adapted to advance underoil pressure and recede underpneumatic pressure, and a pluralityof electrition, and another valve foradmitting oilto and I shutting it of! from said intensifyingv meansrespectively. I r

8. In'a machineoi the class described comprising a reciprocating ramadapted to carry an upper die, a workpiece holder to receive a die forin oneposition being adaptedto open a pipe connection for permittingescape of oil from said locking, cylinder to said control means, andwhen I being in the other positionadapted to shut off said locking meansand allowing oil to return from said control means to a reservoir; andelectric means for resetting said valves toits first mentionedpositionafter said bolster-has been raised for an inerement'.-v

10. In a machine-of the. class described, a re I ciprocatingramadaptedjto a workpiece holder to receive a die for cooperation with,said die insaid ram, combinedhydraulic and pneumatic means to raisesaid. workpiece holder by increments,v I means ,for locking saidworkpiece holder against I being raised, control means forintermittently relievingjsaid locking means, and electric means having.two operating positions,-one of said posi-' I tions being adaptedtooperate said control means single workpiece is to-be worked uponthrough all the increments successively, the other of said positionsbeing adapted to-operatesaid controlmeans after a'pluralityofreciprocations, incase I atseries of workpieces is to be worked upon inJ every step,

11. A progressive drawing 'press having a frame I with a die carryingram and a shiftabledie holding element each supported in spaced relation.to I the other for movement in said frame, drawing press mechanism forreciprocating the ram through a range extending toward and away from theshiftable die holding element, intermittently operated means operativewith a force to move said shiftable die holding" element toward one ex-I I treme reciprocated position or a diecarried by the-ram, a secondintermittently operated means counteractiveto that of the first namedmeans to hold the shiftable element in a predetermined position andthereafter to move the-die holdin element away from said extremeposition of the die carried by the ram and automatically operated meansfor predetermining the'point of holding action of theintermittentloperated counteracting means upon the first named means durcooperationwith said dierin said ram,-meansi adapted to move said ram and said Iworkpiece a holder byincrements to progressively .closer relativepositions between the cooperating parts after a series of workpieceshave passed each single working step, said means including a cylinderand a piston for locking said workpiece holder against being raised,control means for intermittently re- I lieving said locking means, saidcontrol means comprising a double'acting piston adapted to advance underoil pressure and recede under pneumatic pressure, andelectricallyoperated valve. means permitting the admission of oil tosaid control means. v 9. In a machine of the class described comfprising a reciprocating rain adapted tocarryan upper die, a bolster toreceivea die for cooperation with said die in said'ram', and hydraulicmeans; to raise said bolster by increments after aseries oi workpieceshave been passed through 75 ing each cycle of operation of the ram,

l2. A progressive drawing press having a frame with a die carrying ramand a'shiftable' die holding element each supportedin'spaced relation tothe other for'movement in said frame, drawing press mechanism for'reciprocating the ram through a rangeextending toward and away Irom theshiftable die holdingelement, hydraulic means operative with a force tomove said shiftable die-holding element toward one extreme re-'ciprocated position of a die carried by the'ram, a

second hydraulic means counteractive to that on the first namedhydraulic means to hold the shiftable element in a predeterminedposition and to move the die holding element away from said extremeposition'of the die carried by the ram and automatic means for,predetermining the point pres! l mechanism for reciprocating the ramthrough a range extending toward and away from the shift-' able dieholding element, hydraulic means operative with a force to move saidshiftable die hold? ing element toward oneextreme reciprocated positionof a die carried by the ram, a'second hydraulic means counteractive tothat of the flrst namedhydraulic means to hold the. shiftable element ina, predetermined position and thereafter to ,move the die holdingelement away from said extreme position of the die carried by the ramand automaticall operated means for predetermining the point oi?vholding action of the second hydraulic means upon the first hydraulicmeans during each cycle of operation of the ram.

14. Aprogressive drawing press having a frame, die carrying ram and ashiftable die holding element each supported in spaced relation to theother for movement in said frame, drawing press mechanism forreciprocating the ram through a range extending toward and away from theshiftable die holding element, intermittently operated hydraulic meansoperative with a force to move cle of operation of the press forpermitting the.

and unitarily supported by fluidin the cylinder during a workformingoperation, controlled hye draulic meansfor raising the piston anincrement of total upward movement during each cycle of operationof thepress including an opposing hydraulic locking means acting on saidbolstersupporting piston to opposei the upward movement thereof atpredetermined points of upward movement of the bolster supporting pistonandisettable controller means operated during each cy- 18. Ina-machineof the class described, a reciprocatlng ram adapted to carry an upperdie,

said shiftable die holding element during each a hydraulic cylinder, ashiftable bolster adapted to support a lower die for cooperation withsaid upper die. said bolster having surfaces adapted to abut the frameof the machine when in an extreme upward position, spacer "elementsdisposed on the said bolster surfaces whereby the flnal up 15. Aprogressive drawing press having a frame;

a pair of die holder elements, each supported in spaced relation to theother for movement on said frame; means for reciprocating one of saidelements through a range extending toward and away from the otherelement; means operative, with a force, to move said other elementtoward one extreme of said range of reciprocatory movement; other meansoperative to move said other means for predeterminately varying theforce exerted by one of said moving means while the reciprocativeelement is moving intermediate said extreme and the other extreme of itsreciprocat tory range, whereby said other element, responding .to themoving means, is moved a desired diselement away from said rangeextreme; and

tance relative to the reciprocatory range of the 0 reciprocativeelement.

16. A progressive drawing press having a frame;

a ram supported for a range or reciprocatory means associated with oneof said fluid pressure responsive means for producing a balancedcounteracting response between the two fluid pressure responsive meansto retain the die holder against er away from said range extreme; fluidcontrol movement, said fluid control means being operative for apredetermined time period to effect a fluid pressure differentialbetween said fluifliressures whereby the die holder, responding to oneresponsive means, is moved a desired distance relative to said rangeextreme.

17. m a machine of the class described, areciprocatingramadaptedtocarryanupperdie, e75 releasingthe fluid fromthe4 ton in the cylinder for supporting the bolster and the lower diewhereby the bolster and the lower die and the piston may behydraulicallyand 1mitarily supported by fluid in the cylinder during a work forming,operation, controlled hydraulic means for raising the piston anincrement of total upward ,movement during each cycle of operation' ofthe press including an opposing hydraulic ton and during the flnalupward movement of the relation to bolster spacer elements into abuttinthe machine frame.

19. In a machine of 'the'class described, a reciprocating ram adapted tocarry an upper die,

a shiftable bolster adapted to supp rt a lower die for cooperation with'saidupper die, a main cylinder, a hydraulically operated pistondisposed in the cylinder'for supporting the bolsterand the lower diewhereby the holster and the lower die and the'piston may behydraulically and unitarily 1 s'upportedby fluid in the cylinder duringa work forming operation, controlled hydraulic means for,

raising the piston an increment of total upward movement during eachcycle of operation of" the press including an opposing hydraulic lockingmeans acting on said bolster supporting piston to oppose the upwardmovement thereof at predetermined points of upward movement of thebolster support l piston, settable controller means operating duringeach cycle of operationof the press for permitting the escape of apredetermined amount of fluid from the hydraulic looking means'durlngeach increment of upward movement and a dumping valv' mechanism-forcylinderupon the completion of th press performance upon the work. I

a 20. In a machine of the class described, a resupporting the bolsterandthe lower die whereby the bolster and the lower die and the piston maybe hydraulically and unitarily supported during a work formingoperation; controlled hydraulic means for raising the piston anincrement of total upward movement during each cycle of operation of thepress including an opposing hydraulic locking means acting on saidbolster supporting piston to oppose the upward movement thereof atpredetermined points of upward movement of the V bolster supportingpiston settable controller means operated during each cycle of operationof the press for permitting the escape of a predetermined amount offluid from the hydraulic looking means" during each increment of upwardmovement of the bolster supporting piston and a third hydraulicallyoperated means inthe form of hydraulically adjustabledown step pistonsfor limiting the downward movement of 'the bolster when the machine isbeing conditioned for the reception of a work piece blank.

FREDRICH J. ROBE.

